Nathan Ake

Perhaps the closest player on this list to the Blues' first-team, the Dutch centre-back could benefit from the departure of his big-haired doppelganger David Luiz. Like the Brazilian, he can also operate in the centre of midfield, as well as at left-back, meaning his versatility could be of use for Jose Mourinho (as well as anyone playing next year's edition of Football Manager).

Ake has made a number of first team appearances over the past two seasons and combines excellent technical ability with tenacious tackling and clever moment.

(Image: Tom Dulat - The FA)

Patrick Bamford

Despite the arrival of Diego Costa, Chelsea will likely still be short up-front next season, with the futures of Fernando Torres and Romelu Lukaku both up for debate.

And this could play into the hands of the talented Patrick Bamford, who's steady development over the last couple of years deserves to be rewarded.

A prolific loan spell in League One at MK Dons was followed by a step up to the Championship with Derby, where he again found the net on a regular basis, meaning he's ready to be tested at the next level.

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Lewis Baker

Winner of Chelsea's Young Player of the Year award last season, Baker has kept his good form going into the pre-season, impressing skipper John Terry in the Blues' 3-2 win over AFC Wimbledon by providing two assists from corners.

"He [Baker] puts a great ball in, it was a great delivery, and I said to him if he hits it at the first post I will be get there, and thankfully I did get there and we won the game," said Terry.

A technically sound midfielder that can use both feet, Baker netted the winning goal as Chelsea's Under-21s beat Manchester United at Old Trafford to land the league title and if he can maintain his current momentum and take advantage of any loan moves, he could begin to bother the first team.

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Ruben Loftus-Cheek

The 18-year-old central midfielder has captained his country at various youth levels and was a key part of Chelsea's Under-21 league-winning side last season, as well as captaining the Blues in their FA Youth Cup win at Under-18 level.

He hit the headlines last year following agent wranglings and the size of his pay packet, but a strong campaign last season has hopefully proved that off-field distractions are not weighing heavily on his young shoulders

Tall, rangy and also able to play in defence, Loftus-Cheek will dominate the midfield when he's at his best and was given exposure to the first-team a year ago during Chelsea's tour of America. A prime candidate for a loan move to a Championship club.

(Image: Dilip Vishwanat / Getty)

Charlie Colkett

The England Under-18 midfielder struggled with injuries during the first half of last season, before returning and quickly getting back to his best after Christmas as he played a pivotal part in Chelsea's FA Youth Cup win.

A balletic player with wonder balance, Colkett has an eye for a pass and extremely quick feet which he can use to devastating effect in the centre of midfield or in the number 10 role.

His vital goals in the latter stages of the Youth Cup proved that he has the temperament to go along with his undeniable talent, so expect him to feature heavily for the Blues Under-21 side this season as the club looks to nurture him into a future first-teamer.

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Dom Solanke

A tall, pacy striker that can operate anywhere in a front three, the 16-year-old forward is most at home leading the line. Solanke was a key member of England's Under-17 European Championship winning side, scoring a number of key goals in both the qualifying campaign and at the finals in Malta. He was joined in that side by Chelsea team-mate Izzy Brown - and their burgoning strike partnership will be fun to watch over the next couple of seasons.